Basic instinct helps Saints goalsneak revive career

A DIFFERENT attitude was the catalyst for St Kilda goalsneak Jack Lonie's remarkable end to 2018, which helped revive his career.

He started the campaign in the VFL and after being dropped for the second time last season following the club being thumped by Sydney in round 12, the feisty left-footer was realistic about his situation.

"I did have a fair while to think about it. Obviously I knew that I had to fight for it and I was really proud with the way that I did that in the second half of the year," Lonie told AFL.com.au.

"I took a lot of belief knowing that in a couple of games, I played all right. It wasn't great but I felt like I played my role really well and kept my spot in the team after that.

"Then had a good game against the Hawks (four goals), which I was really pleased with. I felt like I showed that I am good enough at the level and I can play a big part at the club in that small forward position."

He booted multiple goals in four of his last five matches of 2018.

Those who watched Lonie in his stints at Sandringham saw a prolific ball-winner who lined up through the midfield.

At senior level he went into attack, where the 174cm forward's fierce tackling pressure and goal sense could be used.

However, whenever he was promoted, he focused too much on doing what was best for the team, at the expense of the traits that saw him dominate at lower levels.

With the help of Saints assistant coach Ben McGlynn, Lonie figured out what was necessary for him to thrive.

"You always want to please the coaches and do all those right things. I suppose I just needed to get out there and play the way I know I can play, and play to my strengths, and bring that to the team," Lonie said.

"Earlier in the year I was worried about trying to do the right thing, rather than playing on my own instinct, and why I got drafted."

St Kilda wanted to keep Lonie after seeing that run of form but offered him a one-year contract.

Lonie wanted more and after a long wait, along with interest from Collingwood and Carlton, he recommitted for a further two seasons.

"It was a long process. It took me a while to end up eventually signing that two-year deal, but I never wanted to leave."